MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE
WED. NIGHT, JULY 12.
I write, my dearest creature, I cannot but write, to express my concern
on your dejection. Let me beseech you, my charming excellence, let me
beseech you, not to give way to it.
Comfort yourself, on the contrary, in the triumphs of a virtue unsullied;
a will wholly faultless. Who could have withstood the trials you have
surmounted?--Your cousin Morden will soon come. He will see justice done
you, I make no doubt, as well with regard to what concerns your person as
your estate. And many happy days may you yet see; and much good may you
still do, if you will not heighten unavoidable accidents into guilty
despondency.
But why, why, my dear, this pining solicitude continued after a
reconciliation with relations as unworthy as implacable; whose wills are
governed by an all-grasping brother, who finds his account in keeping the
breach open? On this over-solicitude it is now plain to me, that the
vilest of men built all his schemes. He saw that you thirsted after it
beyond all reason for hope. The view, the hope, I own, extremely
desirable, had your family been Christians: or even had they been Pagans
who had had bowels.
I shall send this short letter [I am obliged to make it a short one] by
young Rogers, as we call him; the fellow I sent to you to Hampstead; an
innocent, though pragmatical rustic. Admit him, I pray you, into you
presence, that he may report to me how you look, and how you are.
Mr. Hickman should attend you; but I apprehend, that all his motions, and
mine own too, are watched by the execrable wretch: and indeed his are by
an agent of mine; for I own, that I am so apprehensive of his plots and
revenge, now I know that he has intercepted my vehement letters against
him, that he is the subject of my dreams, as well as of my waking fears.
***
My mother, at my earnest importunity, has just given me leave to write,
and to receive your letters--but fastened this condition upon the
concession, that your's must be under cover to Mr. Hickman, [this is a
view, I suppose, to give him consideration with me]; and upon this
further consideration, that she is to see all we write.--'When girls are
set upon a point,' she told one who told me again, 'it is better for a
mother, if possible, to make herself of their party, than to oppose them;
since there will be then hopes that she will still hold the reins in her
own hands.'
Pray let me know what the people are with whom you lodge?--Shall I send
Mrs. Townsend to direct you to lodgings either more safe or more
convenient for you?
Be pleased to write to me by Rogers; who will wait on you for your
answer, at your own time.
Adieu, my dearest creature. Comfort yourself, as you would in the like
unhappy circumstances comfort
Your own
ANNA HOWE.